A few days later, Naima found herself back in Bengaluru, the hustle and bustle of the city surrounding her as she walked through the bustling streets. 

The few days spent in the quiet comfort of the beach with Shubman had left her feeling recharged and more in love than ever. 

But now, it was time to return to reality—the world of cricket, the media, and her teammates.

Despite her public image as a member of the Indian men's cricket team, there was always that part of her that felt a little more at ease in the company of her fellow women cricketers. 

She knew Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues well—both fierce competitors, skilled cricketers, and above all, close friends.

Naima arrived at a cozy café in the heart of Bengaluru, the one place she knew she could go to for some peace and quiet. 

She had texted Smriti and Jemimah to meet up, knowing that despite their busy schedules, they'd make the time for each other.

The door chime rang as Naima walked in, and her eyes immediately found the familiar faces of Smriti and Jemimah sitting by the window, their faces lighting up when they saw her. 

Naima waved as she made her way over, and the two women stood up to greet her.

"Naima!" Smriti said, her wide grin taking up most of her face as she pulled her into a quick hug. "It's been way too long! Look at you, girl, you're glowing!"

Naima couldn't help but laugh, pulling back from the hug. "I feel like I've been in a whirlwind, honestly," she said, smiling. "But it's good to see you two again."

Jemimah gave her a teasing look as she stood to give Naima a hug. "You're glowing, alright," she said with a smirk, "but don't think I didn't notice you've got that love-struck look in your eyes."

Naima's cheeks flushed slightly, but she rolled her eyes with a grin. 

"Shut up, Jemi," she said, laughing, her hands slightly shaking as she pulled out a chair to sit down.

Smriti and Jemimah exchanged knowing glances before Smriti raised an eyebrow. 

"So," she started, leaning in a little, "we heard a rumour that you've been spending a lot of time with someone special... care to share, or should we just keep speculating?"

Naima couldn't help the laugh that bubbled up in her chest. "You two are ridiculous," she said, shaking her head.

 But she couldn't hide the small smile that tugged at her lips. "Alright, alright... yes, I've been seeing someone. But, I'm not sure if you'll be surprised by who it is."

Jemimah leaned forward eagerly. "Oh, don't be coy, tell us! We need the deets, girl."

Naima looked around for a moment, ensuring no one could overhear them. She took a deep breath and leaned in closer. 

"It's Shubman," she said quietly, her voice soft but certain.

The moment the name left her lips, Smriti and Jemimah both gasped in unison, their eyes wide with surprise. 

"Shubman Gill?" Smriti said, her voice tinged with disbelief but also excitement. "As in, the Shubman Gill?"

Naima nodded, her lips curling into a playful smile. "Yeah," she said, her voice full of warmth. "The one and only."

Jemimah's face broke into a huge grin. "Oh my God, girl," she said, practically bouncing in her seat. 

"You two are a power couple waiting to happen! The media is going to lose their minds when they find out."

Naima's smile faltered for a moment, her fingers nervously tracing the rim of her cup. "It's been secret so far," she said softly. 

"Only the team knows... and I want to keep it that way for a little longer, at least. You know how complicated things get when it's out in the open."

Smriti nodded, her expression softening. 

"Of course," she said, her voice understanding. 

"But damn, Naima, I have to say, I'm not even surprised. You two have that chemistry, that... thing, you know? It's obvious when you're together."

Naima smiled, her heart fluttering at Smriti's words. "Yeah, it feels right," she said softly, her voice full of warmth. "I didn't think I could feel this way, but I'm not going to deny it anymore."

Jemimah leaned back, crossing her arms, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Well, you're lucky he's not here right now, or I'd be giving him a hard time about keeping my girl all to himself."

Naima laughed, her nerves dissipating as she spoke more freely with them. "He's not that bad, Jem. Trust me, he's a softie underneath it all."

"Mmhm, that's what they all say until they end up wrapped around our fingers," Smriti quipped, earning a laugh from Naima. 

"But I'm glad you're happy. Honestly, I don't think I've ever seen you this content before."

Naima's eyes softened as she met Smriti's gaze. "I am," she said with a smile, her heart swelling with warmth. 

"He makes me feel like I'm exactly where I need to be, not just in cricket, but in life. I didn't expect it, but here we are."

Jemimah leaned forward again, her expression sincere now. 

"You deserve that, Naima. You deserve someone who makes you feel like that. You've earned it, you know?"

Naima's eyes glistened with emotion, her heart full as she looked at her two closest friends. "Thanks, guys," she said, her voice a little softer than usual. 

"I don't think I could do this without you two, you know? oh and also jemi, here's your 500"

The conversation shifted after that, with the three women talking about everything under the sun—cricket, the upcoming series, their personal lives, and everything in between. 

Despite the weight of their careers, they always found time for each other, for moments of laughter and connection.

As Naima left the café later that afternoon, her heart was lighter, knowing that she had the support of these two amazing women, both as teammates and as friends. 

And maybe—just maybe—she was starting to believe that everything she had with Shubman was real. She wasn't just living in the moment anymore. 

She was planning a future—a future that felt like it might just be everything she had ever dreamed of.

Welcome to the twenty first chapter of "The Man"!
they're so chaotic

what are your thoughts about the next chapter?
anyway, hope y'all enjoyed this chapter!
make sure to comment on what you liked!

until then, yours truly
soup 🫶